Water damage is one of the most common causes of wood rot. In homes, water damage can be caused by various sources, including overflowing dishwashers, leaky pipes, and water seeping through windows or doors.
Water damage on wood is a serious issue that should be addressed as soon as possible. The longer it goes undetected, the more likely it is to cause significant structural problems for your home.
Direct water contact or moisture on wood is not a good combination. This post will show you how water damage can impact wood and what you can do to fix them.
What Does Water Do to Wood?
Wood easily absorbs water, which can cause wood to swell, weaken, rot, and fall apart. However, not all types of wood get damaged due to water absorption and moisture.
For example, hardwoods such as cypress, cedar, and white oak are more resistant to moisture. Certain finishes in waxes, oils, or varnishes can also help protect wood against water damage.
You might already be aware of the wooden structures at home that could be prone to water damage. It could be your wooden flooring, furniture, or ceiling. That is why applying finishing to protect your wooden fixtures from water damage is a good idea.
Signs of Water Damage on Wood
If you have wooden fixtures or furniture at home, you should check whether they have water damage. Or whether there are leaks that are causing water damage to your wooden fixtures. Here are signs of water damage on wood that you should address ASAP:
Change in texture or shape
Water damage can cause wood to sog, sink, or warp and rise like a tent. Any of these signs that were non-existent before are tell-tale signs of water damage. Walls could become soft and discolored and even feel sponge-like in the worst cases.
Stains and Discoloration
Stains and discolorations could happen to furniture, walls, and other wooden surfaces. These discolorations are due to the minerals and salt left behind as the water evaporates.
Formation of molds
Molds grow where there is excess moisture. If you see molds forming in your wooden fixtures, it could be because of a leak causing water damage.
If you see water damage on your wooden surfaces, you should contact the experts ASAP. More so, you should call a professional immediately if the water damage is at the ceiling part. No matter the water damage, it should be addressed as soon as possible.
How to Fix Water Damage on Wood
Meanwhile, here are the steps to clean and fix water damage on wood:
- Clean the affected area by mixing two caps of bleach with half a bucket of warm water. Add three caps of mild dishwashing soap and stir. Using a scrub brush, scrub the wooden fixture thoroughly, then rinse with water. Repeat as needed and let the fixture airdry.
- Apply wood furniture cleaner on a clean white cloth, and add a few drops of orange oil if you like. Using a circular motion, rub onto the stain until the stain is removed. You can use mayonnaise or salad oil dressing if it does not work.
- You can also remove stains from water damage by painting, applying varnish, and sanding and stripping.
- Contact a professional plumbing service in Spring Hill, TN, for your pipe and drain repair and installation needs.